hand down

verb

handed down; handing down; hands down

transitive verb

1

: to transmit in succession (as from father to son)

2

: to make official formulation of and express (the opinion of a court)

Examples of hand down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What To Know Judge Sidney Stein handed down the conviction, which was shorter than the 15-year sentence requested by prosecutors, according to the Associated Press. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Keyhole Midi Dress $70.00 BUY The year’s winner in this category is, hands down, one overwhelmingly popular trend: the milkmaid dress, often defined by a structured bodice, puff sleeves, and an A-line skirt. —R29 Team, refinery29.com, 29 Jan. 2025

Four people were arrested, and 31 citations were handed down. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 28 Jan. 2025

The suspension was handed down in response to Butler immediately exiting a practice session after being informed that his teammate, Haywood Highsmith, would be replacing him in the starting lineup ahead of the Heat’s matchup against the Orlando Magic that evening. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hand down

verb

1

: to pass down from older to younger (as from parent to child)

2

: to form and express a judicial decision

Legal Definition

hand down

transitive verb

1

: to deliver (the decision or opinion of an appellate court) to the proper office of an inferior court

2

: to make an official formulation of and announce (the decision of a court)